Safety12 checkseach timeabout 12 minutes, estimate; adjust for site

Working at height checklist

This checklist covers ladders, scaffolds, harnesses and someone watching. Tick each item at the point of work and record any failure.

0 of 12 checked

1Check people and area

Task height and area are recorded [VERIFY]MUST
Approved access equipment is selected [VERIFY]MUST
Ground below is controlled [VERIFY]
Weather and surface condition are checked [VERIFY]

2Check controls and equipment

Ladder or scaffold is inspected [VERIFY]
Fall protection is fitted where required [VERIFY]
Anchor suitability is confirmed by qualified person [VERIFY]MUST
Worker competence is verified [VERIFY]

3Act on findings

Tools are secured
Rescue arrangement is documented [VERIFY]
Unsafe work is stopped [VERIFY]
Permit or sign-off is closedMUST

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Check before you rely on it. These need a check for your site or with the official source: Task height and area are recorded; Approved access equipment is selected; Ground below is controlled; Weather and surface condition are checked; Ladder or scaffold is inspected; Fall protection is fitted where required; Anchor suitability is confirmed by qualified person; Worker competence is verified; Rescue arrangement is documented; Unsafe work is stopped. This is a practical starting list, not a legal or safety certificate.

When to use it

The authorised work-at-height supervisor uses this list each time this job or event occurs. Allow about 12 minutes for the checks, plus time for any problem found. Work from the site inspection register and the marked work area. Look at the actual item before ticking it. Mark No when evidence is missing and explain why.

Its scope is specific: ladders, scaffolds, harnesses and someone watching. First confirm task height and area are recorded, then examine the relevant work before approval or handover. The person named at the top should complete the checks as the work happens. Do not sign a page from memory later.

If an item is a "No"

For a failed (must) check, hold the affected work at its current stage. The authorised work-at-height supervisor records the item, current job or lot, time and a clear note. Tell the person authorised to release that work. Do not tick Yes after simply sending a message. Recheck the item and record who accepted it before proceeding.

For this checklist, pay particular attention when ladder or scaffold is inspected cannot be confirmed. Check the supporting record or the actual material. A photo alone may not prove a measurement or approval. Note missing evidence.

For other failures, name an owner and due date. Escalate safety, compliance or customer risks before release.

Common mistakes

Ticking approved access equipment is selected without looking at the actual item or source record.
Writing "done" when fall protection is fitted where required has not been checked.
Closing the sheet even though tools are secured is still unknown.
Filing the page with no name, no date or no owner for failed items.

Make it your own

Print this on A4 or keep it in a shared sheet. Add a column for the person clearing each failed item. In a warehousing business, adapt the references to the part, lot, machine or delivery document your team actually uses. In food processing, name the local register and sign-off owner. Remove a check only if it truly cannot apply, and write down why. Do not remove critical safety or statutory checks without qualified review.

Try the list on a real job, then ask the authorised work-at-height supervisor which records were hard to find. Keep one approved version with a revision date so the team uses the same checks.

Review required: This is a practical starting list, not a legal or safety certificate. Check the current rules and get a qualified person to review it for your site. Items marked [VERIFY] need a site-specific or official-source check before use.

A checklist only works if someone ticks it, every time, and someone reads it.

Questions people ask

Who should sign the working at height checklist?

The authorised work-at-height supervisor who performed the check signs it. If a different person approves release, capture that name too. Do not use another person’s signature.

What if task height and area are recorded cannot be confirmed?

Mark No, describe what you looked at and hold the affected work if it is a critical item. Ask the authorised owner to decide the next action. Keep the result in the same record.

Can we use the short version instead of the full checklist?

Use the short version for a quick reminder. The full list has the remaining checks, failed-item notes and signature. Keep it for the actual decision and review.